Recent Blog Posts

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition that develops after facing a traumatic event. With PTSD, the high adrenaline response to escape from danger is relived even though danger is no longer present. PTSD can develop as a result of any traumatic incident and many people who were involved in one way or […]

UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 21, 2018 When the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) has issued an award determination on your claim, both you and Barasch & McGarry will receive a letter notifying you of the amount of your award. You have 30 days to appeal the award. If you appeal the award, this will stop the payment processing […]

Initially, the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) planned to reach out directly to physicians and gather medical information for claimants. However, most physicians preferred direct requests from patients instead. Consequently, patients work with their physicians to provide the necessary information for VCF claims. Also, claimants must pay for the expenses involved with the physician documenting records […]

*** UPDATE: Since the date of this blog post, the deadline for filing a claim with the Victim Compensation Fund has been extended until December 18, 2020. *** How does the current Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) differ from the initial VCF closed in 2004? The first iteration of the VCF was the September 11th Victim […]

Beginning in January, 2014, Special Master Sheila Birnbaum and the Deputy Special Master presided over the first Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) appeals hearings held in New York City. The specially trained and recruited Hearing Officers joined them, conducting both in-person and telephone conference hearings. According to the VCF press release, those overseeing the hearings have […]

The events of September 11, 2001, broke the heart of America. The injury and pain of that day remain with us still. A recent study supports a link between the events of 9/11, post-traumatic stress and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.  From witnessing or participating in a frightening or dangerous event, many people suffer entrenched […]